noisy classes

Peri, I also use "silent art", but not frequently. I use a timer and they
know that they may begin talking when the timer goes off. Usually when the
talking begins it is low level because they don't want to take a chance on
having silent art again. Rarely do I have to extend the time. Usually I
allow them to talk quiety to me if they are having problems - just not to
each other. It helps them to focus better on what they are doing. It sure
helps me to refocus!! AND it doesn't really punish the quiet ones because
they don't talk much anyway. Whatever works. Ann